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1. (n.) litotes
understatement, esp. that in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary, as in “not bad at all.”
Etymology: (1650–60; < NL < Gk lītótēs orig., plainness, simplicity, der. of lītós plain, meager)
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| Definition of 'Litotes' |
Princeton's WordNet |
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1. (noun) litotes, meiosis
understatement for rhetorical effect (especially when expressing an affirmative by negating its contrary)
"saying `I was not a little upset' when you mean `I was very upset' is an example of litotes"
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| Definition of 'Litotes' |
Webster Dictionary |
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1. (noun) Litotes
a diminution or softening of statement for the sake of avoiding censure or increasing the effect by contrast with the moderation shown in the form of expression; as, " a citizen of no mean city," that is, of an illustrious city
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Definitions of Litotes 
